12 Must-Try Wine Bars and Shops in Detroit

Story by Alexa St. John

From cozy corner shops to buzzing natural-wine hideaways, Detroit's wine scene is pouring some of the best glasses in the Midwest, and these 12 spots are where to start sipping.

[MotorCity Wine]
[Ladder 4 Wine Bar]
[Sip N Read]
[Grandeur Cru Wine Shop]
[Vesper Books and Wine]
[The Royce]
[Chenin]
[Mudgie’s Deli and Wine Shop]
[Cellar 313]
[Vino Lab]
[Cata Vino Mercado and Wine Bar at La Feria]
[Michigan by the Bottle]

Detroit has an active bar and nightlife scene for those who enjoy indulging in everything from sophisticated craft cocktails to easy-drinking beers to tasty light bites.

But whether you’re a Detroiter who is just getting into wine or identify as a full connoisseur, the city and metro area also offer many great places specifically known for their unique wine selections.

Guests and visitors of these establishments are sure to find delectable wines by the glass or bottle, carefully curated snacks to pair and vibrant ambiences inside and out.

From white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, to reds like Syrah, to bubblies like Cava and even more unique varieties, Detroit area bars are sure to serve your tastebuds.

Here’s a look at 12 of the Detroit area’s best wine bars, what visitors can expect to find on their menus, and even some featuring a special nod to the state’s vast wine offerings.

MotorCity Wine

Location: Corktown

Many things make MotorCity Wine so delightful.

It offers a unique selection of global wines that rotates frequently. Take a bottle (or two) to go, or enjoy in-house. Both the inside of the bar and the patio on Michigan Avenue make for a great, lively ambience.

Even better, keep tabs on the bar’s jam-packed entertainment schedule. MotorCity Wine’s lineup includes a variety of live music artists, food popups and even drop-in dance lessons.

Ladder 4 Wine Bar

Location: Corktown

Seated inside a 1910 firehouse, Ladder 4 is an exquisite experience where guests are sure to always find something that stands out. The menu is curated seasonally, so when guests go back more than once, they’re likely to catch a meal or drink offering that’s entirely new. Ladder 4 offers full dinner service to go along with its intentional, global wine pairings. Expect an assortment of wines from Germany, Slovakia, France, Italy, California and more.

Sip N Read

Location: Corktown

At Sip N Read book bar, visitors can pair two tried and true classics: wine and literature.

Notably founded by best-selling author Tamela Todd, this bookstore, bar and lounge provides Detroit with a space to immerse in a bit of a sensory experience.

Indulge in a carefully selected glass of wine or a mocktail. Grab a tasty charcuterie bite. And pour over one of the books you can find in its shop section — or bring your own.

Sip N Read fosters community-building and literary appreciation through its intimate monthly book club as well as its 12-week author cohort, moving local writers from book concept to manuscript development to even publication logistics.

Sip N Read also offers 3 tiers for its wine club membership: The First Edition (1 bottle per month and 1 tasting flight), the Curator’s Shelf (2 bottles per month and 2 flights), and the Literary Legacy (3 bottles per month and 3 tastings). Each tier offers other perks including a discount on in-store books and more. Members can participate in the shop’s Members-Only day on Wednesdays.

Keep an eye on Sip N Read’s extensive social calendar for other opportunities such as wine talks and art showcases. It also makes for a great private event space.

Grandeur Cru Wine Shop

Location: East Village

Owner Tiffani Patterson opened Grandeur Cru in 2025 to transform her wine hobby into something bigger.

Be sure to look for Grandeur Cru’s peach wine and sangria, among other delicious selections – including a Gewürztraminer white wine. Grandeur Cru also has flight tastings, flatbreads and charcuterie to complete your experience.You’ll also find Grandeur Cru at pop-up activations, hosting DJs and serving as a space for a variety of events.

Vesper Books and Wine

Location: Core City

Owners Symantha Duggan and Rob Wilson opened Vesper in what was once a bank, transforming the space into a casual but elevated place to shop, sit and sip. Visitors will see the building’s history reflected inside, including a glimpse at the old bank vault.

Enjoy a glass of sparkling, white, rosé, red or even skin contact (also known as orange) wine while you also browse the shop’s selection of books, including cookbooks. A bottle and a book from Vesper are sure to make for a great gift.

If you’re accompanying a winophile, but wine’s not so much your thing, don’t fret: Vesper serves a few beers, non-alcoholic alternatives and delicious snacks.

The Royce

Location: Downtown Detroit

Led by founder and owner Ping Ho, the Royce prides itself on selecting wines from small-batch producers across the globe with a focus on sustainability.

Pair your in-shop drink of choice with tinned fish, charcuterie and cheeses, and other light bites. Consider joining the Royce’s monthly or quarterly wine clubs, stop in for one of its free tastings on Wednesdays, or attend one of its weekly Wine School sessions.

Fun fact: The Royce is a sister to other well-known Detroit fine dining establishments Marrow and Mink.

Chenin

Location: Downtown Detroit

Tucked away in an alley on Broadway, Chenin brings a quirky, energetic vibe to downtown Detroit. Chenin is quite intimate inside and doesn’t take reservations, so if you can’t get a seat or standing room, be sure to have another plan in mind nearby.

In addition to wine, expect other types of cocktails, food – Chenin’s bread service, pizza or a sandwich are a must if you can get them – and even ice cream.

Mudgie’s Deli and Wine Shop

Location: Corktown

Guests can browse through dozens of wine options at Mudgie’s, including its selection of pet-nat, or pétillant naturel, wine – a type of light, sparkling wine.

The shop also prides itself online as having “approachable” wines, with many budget-friendly bottles available for purchase.

The offerings at Mudgie’s includes many Michigan wines, such as from Modales Wines, a certified organic winery off Lake Michigan, and Nitz Vineyards, one of the state’s oldest vineyards.

Visitors are sure to want to stick around for lunch at Mudgie’s – consider trying one of their signature sandwiches.

Cellar 313

Location: Grosse Pointe Park

Just outside of Detroit city limits, visitors can explore a truly expansive list of flavorful wines with notes ranging from gooseberry to vanilla to sea salt, licorice, spices and much more.

Pair your glass or bottle with a flatbread, charcuterie board or more substantial entree.

Cozy up inside, or enjoy the patio during the warmer months.

Be sure to consider joining Cellar 313’s monthly wine club, and keep an eye on its calendar for wine tastings as well.

Vino Lab

Location: Troy

Touted as an “upscale wine store and bar experience,” Vino Lab promises to bring a taste of Italy and beyond to your table. Its site says guests can choose from natural, organic and rare vintage wines, and receive tailored recommendations from on-site experts.

Vino Lab’s snack selection of Stuzzichini – Italian small bites – changes daily but includes cheese and charcuterie, nuts and olives, breads and crackers, and even hot bites. Build your own snack plate to pair with the wine of your choosing.

Take a look at Vino Lab’s wine tasting events, and consider its wine club, too.

Cata Vino Mercado and Wine Bar at La Feria

Location: Midtown

Located inside La Feria’s tapas restaurant, Cata Vino pairs its extensive wine menu with Spanish cuisine.

The Cata Vino wine list spans international flavors, tastes and notes. Choose any three for a tasty flight.

Cata Vino also has a wine club. Signing up gets members 2 bottles per month and exclusives.

Michigan by the Bottle

Location: Tasting rooms in Lake Orion, Auburn Hills, Royal Oak and Shelby Township

Michigan by the Bottle has made it a point to bring an impressive wine selection from vineyards across the state to all. If shopping local is of interest, Michigan by the Bottle might be your best bet.

Even more exciting, each of its four locations differ in their selections, but no matter which you visit, you are sure to find a diverse lineup of more than 80 rotating wines options.

Guests can sit indoors or outdoors at each of Michigan by the Bottle’s locations except Royal Oak (indoor only).

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